Palace wonders how Aquino testimony can help Revilla defense

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Thursday said that even if the Sandiganbayan could summon President Benigno Aquino III, it is not clear how his testimony will help prove Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.’s innocence.

“It will be interesting to know how the appearance of the President…will prove his defense that he did not personally gain from PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund),” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a televised press briefing.

Senator Bong Revilla. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

The statement came after Revilla told the anti-graft court that he wanted Aquino, among others, to serve as witness in his plunder trial.

“This is a case of plunder against him so he has to prove that he did not personally gain from the PDAF scam…Seriously, it is just interesting to know how it will add to his defense,” he added.

Lacierda, however, said that he will have to check first with their legal team if Aquino can indeed be summoned to court through a subpoena.

“The Sandiganbayan will have to resolve that. So we will defer to the Sandiganbayan about that particular request for summoning President Aquino to the witness stand,” he said.

Revilla is facing one count of plunder and 16 counts of graft for allegedly misusing his PDAF.

He is currently detained at the Camp Crame custodial center with Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada who is also facing plunder and graft charges.

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